What Is the Difference Between a Visa and a Passport?

Are you planning a trip abroad and unsure about the difference between a visa and a passport?

In this post, we’ll break down the key distinctions between these two travel documents.

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Visa vs. Passport: Key Differences

Looking for a quick comparison? We’ve got you covered—

Check out this infographic to learn how passports and visas differ, and read on for a detailed breakdown.

Comparison of the key differences between passports and visas.

What’s a Visa?

A visa is an endorsement from a foreign country that allows entry under specific conditions.

Visas come in various types depending on the purpose of your visit:

Work visa: For legal employment in the country.
Student visa: For studying abroad.
Tourist visa: For sightseeing and short visits.
Partner visa: For joining a partner living abroad.
Transit visa: For connecting flights requiring airport exit.

Visas can be issued in different formats, including stamps in passport books, separate ID cards, or standalone documents.

Examples of three different visas: A tamp, ID card, and document.

What’s a Passport?

A passport is an official document issued to citizens and certain non-citizens, enabling them to travel internationally. Typically, passports are compact booklets that include personal information such as your name, date of birth, and a biometric photo.

In the US, there’re four types of passport colors, each serving a different purpose. In most cases, however, citizens receive the standard Type “P” passport (blue), which can be used for personal travel.

Americans also have the option to apply for a passport card—a wallet-sized passport convenient for travel to several neighboring countries. Our guide explains the differences between a US passport book and a card in detail.

Pro tip: US citizens don’t always need passports to travel abroad. See which countries you can visit without a passport.

Trivia facts about US passports:

The Department of State issues all US passports.
They’re valid for 10 years or five years for minors.
The application process takes 6–8 weeks.
The passport index rating of a US passport is one of the highest, with a mobility score of 172.
The cost of a passport book is set at $165 (first passport) and $130 (passport renewal).

Do I Need a Visa If I Have a Passport?

If you already have a passport, you might wonder if it’s enough to travel abroad. It depends on:

Your destination
Purpose of your trip
Duration of the stay

A passport is usually enough to travel to Mexico or Canada for a short time. However, moving to New Zealand for work or enrolling at a European university will require a visa.

In a nutshell:

Short-term trips: A valid passport is usually enough

Longer trips or relocation: You’ll need a visa.

Thanks to the visa-waiver program, US passport holders can travel to 116 visa-free countries and another 49 by applying for a visa-on-arrival. You can find a list of these countries in the blue tab of the US passport dashboard.

Still, for some destinations, you must apply for a tourist visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA).

That’s why it’s always a good idea to check the specific entry requirements of your destination before you travel to ensure you have the necessary documentation.

Countries that require a visa

You need a visa to visit:

Afghanistan
Algeria
Australia (eTA)
Belarus
Benin
Bhutan
Cameroon
Central African Republic
Chad
China
Congo
Eritrea
Ghana
Iran
Ivory Coast
Kenya (eTA)
Liberia
Libya
Mali
Myanmar
Nauru
New Zealand (eTA)
Niger
North Korea
Pakistan (eTA)
Russian Federation
Seychelles
Sri Lanka (eTA)
Sudan
Syria
Turkmenistan
Venezuela
Yemen

List of countries you can’t visit without a visa.

How to Get a Visa

Visa applications vary by country and visa type.

Here are several common steps you can expect when applying for a visa:

Eligibility check: Verify your visa eligibility and ensure you meet all requirements.
Application method: Most countries require online applications through their portals. Some may require a visit to an embassy.
Valid passport: If yours is about to expire, see how to renew your passport by mail.
Compliant photo: Submit a picture compliant with visa requirements. These vary by country.
Application form: Fill out the form with personal details and, sometimes, your residency history.
Criminal record: Truthfully answer questions about your criminal record. If you’ve been convicted, disclose it.
Application fee: Pay the required application fee.

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FAQ

Is a visa the same as a passport?

No. A visa is a travel endorsement that lets you visit, study, or live in a foreign country. A passport is issued only to lawful citizens and some non-citizens through naturalization.

Is it better to have a visa or passport?

You need a passport for all international air travel. Whether you need a visa depends on the purpose and length of your stay abroad. For example, you can travel to Australia on an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which is free but doesn’t allow you to work or stay longer than three months. Additionally, some countries require you to apply for a visa to enter.

What’s the purpose of a visa for international travel?

The point of a visa for international travel is to legally enter a foreign country and stay for a specific period (e.g., three months). After your visa expires, you’re obliged to leave the country.

What’s the travel document number on a visa?

A visa document number is a unique identifier that allows the authorities to verify the document’s authenticity and the traveler’s identity.

Do I need a passport to travel within the US?

No, you can travel across the US using other Real ID-compliant documents, such as:

– Passport card
– Enhanced driver’s license
– State-issued photo ID
– Trusted Travelers Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or Global Entry)
– Permanent resident card

When do you need a visa to travel?

You’ll need a visa on several occasions:
– If your destination country requires a visa to enter.
– To work, study, or live abroad (permanently or semi-permanently).
– To transit through a foreign country (e.g., to catch a connecting flight requiring airport exit).
– To join a family member living abroad.

Sources:

Sylwia Green

Sylwia is a skilled writer with a BA in English Studies and an active SPJ member. For nearly three years now, she’s been writing captivating articles for international companies, turning her lifelong passion into a career.

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